TWO-DOOR TAXIS PLY FOR HIRE!

WILL Roe's letter about the taxi model with two doors when should it have had four was spot on. Many years ago I had a 1955 Buick Century taxi in 1/18 scale by Mira, and this model was exactly that. There is also a taxi convertible in the same shade of yellow with its taxi number decal in the same place as it is on the coupe. While the actual car on which the model was based did have two doors, did any taxi with the physical dimensions of a Buick Century, ever have two doors? Beside the taxi model, there was also a 'Sun State' police car, presumably from the same casting, and there are also various road cars. Although not a bad model as such, it just never looked right. My model left the cab rank many years ago, never to ply its trade again.

Mick Haven, email

FOLLOWING on from Will Roe’s letter in the ‘Dear Editor…’ section of April 2022’s edition of Diecast Collector, I can confirm from personal experience that two-door taxis used to ply for hire on the streets of Mexico City and Acapulco in Mexico, and Rio de Janeiro Brazil. There were probably more in other cities in South America. The front passenger seats were removed making entry/ exit easier and two or three passengers could sit on the rear bench seat. Unfortunately, this arrangement also put the passengers at risk from robbers who could simply open the passenger door and jump in leaving their victims with no way to escape. Thus, four door taxis became the norm! I do doubt though that any Fiat 130 Coupes were in use as taxis anywhere in the world as they were expensive, top of the range models suitable for a much more genteel way of life!

Anthony Hutson, London NW9

ED Excellent intel, gentlemen! Another example as to why I love this section of the magazine so much. Fascintating stuff! Thanks to you both.